Patient specific glenoid guide

ABSTRACT

A patient-specific guide tool for guiding an object toward a glenoid face of a scapula of a patient for implantation of a shoulder prosthetic device is disclosed. The guide tool includes a guide portion that includes a guide surface. The guide surface is configured to guide movement of the object toward the glenoid face. Furthermore, the guide tool includes a patient-specific portion that is operably coupled to the glenoid portion. The patient-specific portion includes at least one patient-specific surface that is three-dimensionally contoured and that is configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the scapula to thereby position the guide surface at a predetermined position relative to the glenoid face.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/552,079, filed on Oct. 27, 2011. The entire disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to the following concurrently filed UnitedStates patent applications, each of which is incorporated herein byreference: “Patient-Specific Glenoid Guides” (Atty. Doc. No.5490-000950/US); “Patient-Specific Glenoid Guide and Implants” (Atty.Doc. No. 5490-000950/US/02); and “Methods for Patient-Specific ShoulderArthroplasty” (Atty. Doc. No. 5490-000950/US/03).

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a glenoid guide and, moreparticularly, relates to a patient-specific glenoid guide for use inestablishing a reference on a glenoid.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure that is not necessarily prior art.

Various guide tools have been proposed for assisting surgeons duringsurgical procedures. For instance, a cutting guide can be used duringimplantation of a prosthetic device.

In the case of a prosthetic knee, for example, a femoral cutting guidecan be fixed at a known position relative to the femur. The cuttingguide can include one or more surfaces that are consequently fixed at aknown position relative to the femur. A cutting tool, such as areciprocating blade can be operated while sliding along the guidesurface of the cutting guide such that the femur can be cut (e.g.,resected) at predetermined locations to predetermined dimensions. Theseanatomical cuts can form surfaces against which the femoral prostheticdevice can seat.

Also, in some embodiments, the cutting guide can be used to guide theformation of holes or other features that can receive a referencingobject (e.g., a pin, etc.) in a bone. Once the referencing object isfixed to the bone, another object (e.g., a cutting guide, etc.) can beattached to the referencing object for further use in a predeterminedposition.

SUMMARY

A patient-specific guide tool for guiding an object toward a glenoidface of a scapula of a patient for implantation of a shoulder prostheticdevice is disclosed. The guide tool includes a guide portion thatincludes a guide surface. The guide surface is configured to guidemovement of the object toward the glenoid face. Furthermore, the guidetool includes a patient-specific portion that is operably coupled to theglenoid portion. The patient-specific portion includes at least onepatient-specific surface that is three-dimensionally contoured and thatis configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface ofthe scapula to thereby position the guide surface at a predeterminedposition relative to the glenoid face.

A method of guiding an object toward a glenoid face of a scapula of apatient for implantation of a shoulder prosthetic device is alsodisclosed. The method includes preoperatively imaging at least a portionof the scapula to produce an image of the portion of the scapula. Themethod also includes providing a patient-specific guide tool having aguide portion and a patient-specific portion. The guide portion includesa guide surface. The patient-specific portion is operably coupled to theglenoid portion. The patient-specific portion includes at least onepatient-specific surface that is configured according to the image.Moreover, the method includes nesting the patient-specific surface ofthe guide tool to the at least a portion of the scapula to therebyposition the guide surface at a predetermined position relative to theglenoid face.

Still further, a patient-specific glenoid guide tool for guiding anobject toward a glenoid face of a scapula of a patient is disclosed forimplantation of a shoulder prosthetic device. The guide tool includes aguide portion that includes an opening with a curved axis. The openingdefines a guide surface, and the guide surface is configured to guidemovement of the object toward the glenoid face. Moreover, the guide toolincludes a patient-specific portion that is operably coupled to theglenoid portion. The patient-specific portion includes at least onepatient-specific surface that is three-dimensionally contoured, and thatis configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface ofthe scapula to thereby position the guide surface at a predeterminedposition relative to the glenoid face. The patient-specific surface isconfigured to nest and closely conform to at least one of an anteriorsurface of an acromion of the scapula, an inferior surface of anacromion of the scapula, a posterior surface of an acromion of thescapula, a scapular spine, and the glenoid face.

Further areas of applicability of the present teachings will becomeapparent from the description provided hereinafter. It should beunderstood that the description and specific examples are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe present teachings.

DRAWINGS

The present teachings will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glenoid guide according to variousexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shoulder joint;

FIG. 3 is a lateral view of a scapula with the glenoid guide of FIG. 1engaged therewith according to various exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a posterior view of a scapula with the glenoid guide of FIG. 1attached thereto according to various exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a scapula with a referencing pin attachedthereto and shown with a reamer and an actuator that are configured toream the glenoid of the scapula

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a glenoid guide according to additionalexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an anterior view of the glenoid guide of FIG. 6 shown engagedwith a scapula;

FIG. 8 is a lateral view of the glenoid guide of FIG. 6 shown engagedwith the scapula;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a scapula with a glenoid guide accordingto additional exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a detail view of the glenoid guide of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a scapula with a glenoid guideaccording to additional exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a scapula with a glenoid guideaccording to additional exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a glenoid guide according to additionalexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no wayintended to limit the present teachings, applications, or uses.

The present teachings generally provide patient-specific surgicalinstruments that include, for example, alignment guides, drill guides,templates, cutting/resection guides for use in shoulder jointreplacement, shoulder resurfacing procedures and other proceduresrelated to the shoulder joint or the various bones of the shoulderjoint, including the glenoid and adjacent shoulder bones. The presentteachings can be applied to anatomic shoulder replacement and reverseshoulder replacement. The patient-specific instruments can be usedeither with conventional implant components or with patient-specificimplant components and/or bone grafts that are prepared usingcomputer-assisted image methods according to the present teachings.Computer modeling for obtaining three dimensional images of thepatient's anatomy using MRI or CT scans of the patient's anatomy, thepatient-specific prosthesis components and the patient-specific guides,templates and other instruments, can be designed using various CADprograms and/or software available, for example, by Materialise USA, ofPlymouth, Mich. The present teachings also provide algorithms for usewith related CAD programs.

The patient-specific instruments and any associated patient-specificimplants and bone grafts can be generally designed and formed usingcomputer modeling based on 3-D anatomic image(s) generated from X-rays,MRI, CT, ultrasound or other medical scans. Specifically, an anatomicalfeature (e.g., a scapula with or without surrounding soft tissue) can beimaged to detect certain features of the anatomy (e.g., dimensions,curvature of surfaces, etc.). Then, patient-specific instruments can beformed according to these measurements.

The patient-specific instrument can have a three-dimensional engagementsurface that is complementary and made to conformingly contact theanatomical surface. Thus, the patient-specific instruments can beconfigured to fit at only one position to the anatomical surface. Thepatient-specific instruments can include custom-made guiding formations,such as, for example, guiding bores or cannulated guiding posts orcannulated guiding extensions or receptacles that can be used forsupporting or guiding other instruments, such as drill guides, reamers,cutters, cutting guides and cutting blocks or for inserting pins orother fasteners according to a surgeon-approved pre-operative plan.

In various embodiments, the patient-specific instruments can alsoinclude one or more patient-specific alignment guides for receiving andguiding a tool, such as a drill or pin or guide wire at correspondingpatient-specific orientations relative to a selected anatomic axis forthe specific patient. The patient-specific instruments can includeguiding or orientation formations and features for guiding theimplantation of patient-specific or off-the-shelf implants associatedwith the surgical procedure. The geometry, shape and orientation of thevarious features of the patient-specific instruments, as well as variouspatient-specific implants and bone grafts, if used, can be determinedduring the pre-operative planning stage of the procedure in connectionwith the computer-assisted modeling of the patient's anatomy. During thepre-operative planning stage, patient-specific instruments, custom,semi-custom or non custom implants and other non custom tools, can beselected and the patient-specific components can be manufactured for aspecific-patient with input from a surgeon or other professionalassociated with the surgical procedure.

In the following discussion, the terms “patient-specific”, “custom-made”or “customized” are defined to apply to components, including tools,implants, portions or combinations thereof, which include certaingeometric features, including surfaces, curves, or other lines, andwhich are made to closely conform as mirror-images or negatives orcomplementary surfaces of corresponding geometric features or anatomiclandmarks of a patient's anatomy obtained or gathered during apre-operative planning stage based on 3-D computer images of thecorresponding anatomy reconstructed from image scans of the patient bycomputer imaging methods. Further, patient-specific guiding features,such as, guiding apertures, guiding slots, guiding members or otherholes or openings that are included in alignment guides, drill guides,cutting guides, rasps or other instruments or in implants are defined asfeatures that are made to have positions, orientations, dimensions,shapes and/or define cutting planes and axes specific to the particularpatient's anatomy including various anatomic or mechanical axes based onthe computer-assisted pre-operative plan associated with the patient.

The prepared patient-specific alignment guides can be configured to matein alignment with natural anatomic landmarks by orienting and placingthe corresponding alignment guide intra-operatively on top of the boneto mate with corresponding landmarks. The anatomic landmarks function aspassive fiducial identifiers or fiducial markers for positioning of thevarious alignment guides, drill guides or other patient-specificinstruments.

The various patient-specific alignment guides can be made of anybiocompatible material, including, polymer, ceramic, metal orcombinations thereof. The patient-specific alignment guides can bedisposable and can be combined or used with reusable and nonpatient-specific cutting and guiding components.

More specifically, the present teachings provide various embodiments ofpatient-specific glenoid guides. The glenoid guides of the presentteachings can have patient-specific engagement surfaces that referencevarious portions of the shoulder joint and include drill guides, guidingbores or sleeves or other guiding formations that can accuratelyposition a guide wire for later glenoid preparation and implantationprocedures and for alignment purposes, including implant positioncontrol, implant version control, implant inclination control.

In the following, when of portion of a glenoid guide is described as“referencing” a portion of the anatomy, it will be understood that thereferencing portion of the glenoid guide is a patient-specific portionmirroring or negative to the corresponding referenced anatomic portion.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a patient-specific glenoid guide 10(i.e., patient-specific guide tool) is illustrated according toexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be discussed,the guide 10 can include one or more patient-specific surfaces thatengage corresponding surfaces of a patient's scapula. For instance, inthe embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, patient-specific surfaces of the guide10 can reference the glenoid face and can straddle the scapular spine.Once engaged with the scapular spine, guide surface(s) of the guide canbe positioned, oriented, and located relative to the scapula. As such,the guide surface(s) can be used to guide a cutting tool (e.g., a drillbit) toward the scapula and/or the guide surface(s) can be used to guidea referencing object (e.g., a referencing pin) into the scapula. Theguide 10 can also be shaped and dimensioned so as to avoid interferencewith surrounding soft tissue.

Generally, the guide 10 can include a guide portion 12, apatient-specific portion 14, and a shoulder 16 that is disposedtherebetween. The guide portion 12, the patient-specific portion 14, andshoulder 16 can be integrally connected so as to be monolithic. Also,the guide 10 can be substantially L-shaped. Moreover, the guide 10 canbe made from biocompatible metal and/or polymer.

The guide portion 12 can be generally frusto-conic in shape and canproject partially from the shoulder 16 to have a length L3. The guideportion 12 can include a first axial end 18 (i.e., glenoid engagingsurface) and a second axial end 20. The guide portion 12 can alsoinclude a transverse (radial) surface 24 that extends between the firstand second axial ends 18, 20. The transverse surface 24 can be taperedin the radial direction.

Moreover, the guide portion 12 can include an opening 26 that extendsbetween and is defined through the first and second axial ends 18, 20.In the illustrated embodiments, the opening 26 can be a groove or slotthat is also defined through and open on the transverse surface 24. Inadditional embodiments, the opening 26 can be a through hole that isdefined only through the first and second axial ends 18, 20. The opening26 can have a substantially straight axis X. As will be discussed, aninner surface 28 of the opening 26 can be a guide surface that guides acutting tool, such as a drill bit, or a referencing object, such as areferencing pin toward a glenoid of a patient.

Moreover, the patient-specific portion 14 can include a first member 30and a second member 32 that extend from the shoulder 16 and that arespaced apart from each other at a distance D. In the embodimentsillustrated, the members 30, 32 are posts that are axially straight andsubstantially parallel to each other. In additional embodiments, themembers 30, 32 can be axially curved. The members 30, 32 can each have arespective length L1. The members 30, 32 can terminate at a respectiveend 35, 37.

The ends 35, 37 can be tapered and, in some embodiments, sharpened so asto enable the ends 35, 37 to penetrate through soft tissue. The members30, 32 can also include respective patient-specific surfaces 34, 36. Thesurfaces 34, 36 can be recessed and can be three-dimensionally curved aswill be described in greater detail below. The patient-specific surfaces34, 36 can face each other.

The shoulder 16 can curve between the guide portion 12 and thepatient-specific portion 14 at any suitable radius. In additionalembodiments, the shoulder 16 extends linearly between the guide portion12 and patient-specific portion 14. Also, the shoulder 16 can include aninner surface 38. Furthermore, the shoulder 16 can extend along a lengthL2 before the members 30, 32 branch apart away from the shoulder 16.Additionally, the shoulder 16 can be curved such that the members 30, 32are disposed at an angle θ relative to the axis X of the opening 26.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the guide 10 can be configured for engaging,mating, and nesting with a scapula 42 of a patient. Specifically, themembers 30, 32 can cooperatively straddle the scapular spine 47 suchthat the patient-specific surface 34 nests to a superior surface 45 ofthe spine 47 and the patient-specific surface 36 nests to an inferiorsurface 49 of the spine 47. Positioned as such, the shoulder 16 cancurve about and avoid interference with soft tissue (e.g., rotator cuff,etc.), and the first axial end 18 can abut against a glenoid face 46 ofthe patient to orient the opening 26 at a predetermined orientation andlocation relative to the glenoid face 46. In some embodiments, the firstaxial end 18 can also have a patient-specific convex surface that alsonests with the glenoid face 46 for further mating the guide 10 to thescapula 42. Likewise, in some embodiments, the inner surface 38 of theshoulder portion 16 can include a patient-specific surface that isconfigured to nest against the rim of the glenoid face 46 and/or othersurrounding tissue. Once nested against the scapula 42, the guide 10 canbe constrained against rotational and translation movement about threeorthogonal axes.

With the guide 10 positioned as such, the surface 28 of the opening 26can guide an object toward the glenoid face 46. For instance, thesurface 28 can guide a drill bit (not specifically shown) toward theglenoid face 46 to form a hole therein. Specifically, the drill bit canbe inserted into the opening 26 at the second axial end 20, moved towardthe first axial end 18, and cut (drill) into the glenoid face 46 whilethe surface 28 maintains the drill bit substantially coaxial with theopening 26. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, a referencing object 54 (e.g., apin, etc.) can be received in the newly-formed hole and fixed to theglenoid face 46. The guide 10 can then be removed by the scapula 42 bysliding the members 30, 32 off of the scapular spine 47. In someembodiments, the guide 10 can move parallel to the axis X away from theglenoid face 46. In additional embodiments, the guide 10 can movetransverse to the axis X, for instance, such that the referencing object54 moves through the portion of the opening 26 defined in the transversesurface 24.

With the referencing object 54 in place in the glenoid face 46, acutting tool 53 (e.g., a bur, a rasp, a reamer, etc.) can be coupled tothe glenoid face 46. Specifically, a hole 55 of the cutting tool 53 canreceive the referencing object 54, and the referencing object 54 canguide the cutting tool 53 axially toward the glenoid face 46. Thecutting tool 53 can be actuated (e.g., rotated) via an actuator 57(e.g., an electric motor, etc.) to remove tissue from the glenoid face46.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, surgical procedures employing the guide 10will be described in greater detail. For purposes of discussion, it willbe assumed that the surgical procedure relates to the implantation of ashoulder prosthetic device that is operable to restore and repair theshoulder joint. The prosthetic device can include a humeral portion, ascapular portion, and a bearing in some embodiments. It will beappreciated that the prosthetic can be either an anatomic or reverseshoulder prosthetic device. Also, the guide 10 can be used during opensurgical procedures or during arthroscopic surgical procedures as willbe discussed.

Initially, the patient's anatomy can be imaged and measured using one ormore MRI scans, CT scans, etc. Specifically, the dimensions, shape, andother features of the patient's scapula 42 can be determined from theseimages. Also the prosthetic joint and the surgical procedure can beplanned according to these measurements. More specifically, the amountof wear, damaged tissue, etc. on the patient's glenoid face 46 can bemeasured in this manner. Also, an appropriate size and orientation ofthe prosthetic shoulder joint (relative to the scapula 42) can beselected for repairing the joint. Moreover, the surgeon can plan howmuch tissue should be removed, for example, from the glenoid face 46 forimplantation of the prosthesis. The size, type, and othercharacteristics of the tool 53 (FIG. 5) necessary for removing theglenoid tissue can also be determined from this analysis. Moreover, thetrajectory of the referencing object 54 relative to the glenoid face 46for properly locating the tool 53 relative to the glenoid face 46 can bedetermined.

Additionally, the patient-specific guide 10 can be planned andconstructed according to the data obtained from the images. The guide 10can be constructed using known rapid-prototyping or other techniques.Specifically, the patient specific surfaces 34, 36 can be constructedaccording to the measurements of the superior and inferior surfaces 45,49 of the scapula 42 such that the surfaces 34, 36 can mate and nestwith each other. Likewise, the guide 10 can be constructed such that thelengths L1, L2, L3, the distance D, the angle θ, and/or other dimensionsof the guide 10 enable the members 30, 32 to nest with the scapularspine 47 while the first axial end 18 abuts against the glenoid face 46.

Once the guide 10 is constructed, the surgeon can make one or moreincisions 56 (FIG. 2) adjacent the shoulder joint. Then, assuming thatthis is an open-shoulder procedure, the humerus 40 of the joint can beseparated from the scapula 42 to thereby expose the glenoid face 46.Then, the surgeon can mate the guide 10 to the scapula 42 by advancingthe first and second members 30, 32 in a medial direction over thescapular spine 47 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The ends 35, 37 of themembers 30, 32 can penetrate through soft tissue during advancement overthe spine 47. Moreover, in some embodiments, the members 30, 32 canresiliently deflect away from each other slightly during advancementover the spine 47, and the members 30, 32 can recover to a neutralposition (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) when the patient-specific surfaces34, 36 reach the corresponding surfaces 45, 49 of the scapular spine 47.

Next, a drill bit (not specifically shown) can be received in theopening 26 of the guide 10, and the surface 28 can guide the drill bitaxially toward the glenoid face 46 to form a hole for the referencingobject 54 (FIG. 5). The referencing object 54 can be inserted into thishole of the glenoid face 46 to be fixed to the scapula 42. Subsequently,the tool 53 can be positioned over the referencing object 54, and theactuator 57 can drivingly rotate the tool 53 as it advances toward theglenoid face 46. As such, the tool 53 can remove the predeterminedamount of tissue from the glenoid face 46 to prepare the glenoid facefor implantation of a prosthetic device (not specifically shown). Afterthe glenoid face 46 is fully prepared, the scapular portion of aprosthetic device can be implanted on the scapula 42 in a known manner.Also, the humerus 40 can be resected in a known manner, and a humeralportion of the prosthetic device can be implanted thereon. Then, theartificial joint can be assembled, and the incision 56 (FIG. 2) can berepaired.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the guide 10 and its method of use cansignificantly aid the surgeon during these and/or other procedures.Because of the patient-specific surfaces 34, 36, the guide 10 can betailored for the specific patient, thereby allowing the procedure to betailored for the specific patient. Accordingly, the prosthetic joint canbe very effective in repairing the patient's mobility, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, additional embodiments of a glenoid guide110 are illustrated according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure. Components that correspond with those of FIGS. 1-5 areindicated with corresponding reference numbers increased by 100.

In some embodiments, the guide 110 can be a monolithic body withintegrally connected components. Also, the guide 110 can be made frombiocompatible metal, polymer, etc.

The guide 110 can include a block-shaped guide portion 112. The guideportion 112 can include a patient-specific surface 170 that isconfigured to engage and nest with the glenoid face 146 (FIGS. 7 and 8).For instance, the patient-specific surface 170 can engage and nest withan anterior rim of the glenoid face 146. In additional embodiments, thepatient-specific surface 170 can engage and nest with a superior,inferior, and/or posterior portion of the rim of the glenoid face 146.

Also, the guide portion 112 can also include at least one tube 164 a,164 b that includes an opening 126 a, 126 b (FIG. 8) extendingtherethrough. The tubes 164 a, 164 b can project from the guide portion112, opposite the patient-specific surface 170. In the embodimentsillustrated, there are two tubes 164 a, 164 b, and the openings 126 a,126 b are holes that extend therethrough. The inner surfaces 128 a, 128b can act as guide surfaces for guiding a drill bit, a referencingobject, etc. toward the glenoid face 146. The tubes 164 a, 164 b alsoinclude respective slot-shaped windows 165 a, 165 b extendingtransversely therethrough. The windows 165 a, 165 b can allow the userto view the drill bit, referencing object, etc. moving through theopenings 126 a, 126 b.

The openings 126 a, 126 b can be disposed at an angle α relative to eachother. In some embodiments, the opening 126 a can be configured for useduring implantation of a normal shoulder prosthetic device whereas theopening 126 b can be configured for use during implantation of a reverseshoulder prosthetic device. Thus, the guide 110 can be versatile andusable for both procedures. Moreover, one or both tubes 164 a, 164 b caninclude lettering or other symbols thereon that distinguish the tubes164 a, 164 b from each other, that identify the patient associated withthe guide 110, etc.

The guide 110 can further include a handle 168. In the embodimentsillustrated, the handle 168 projects from one side of the guide portion112 and the tubes 164 a, 164 b and tapers so as to have a generallytriangular shape. The handle 164 a can be used to grasp the guide 110and to manipulate the guide 110 when mating the guide 110 against thescapula 142. For instance, the surgeon can apply pressure to the handle168 medially toward the glenoid face 146 when mating the guide 110against the scapula 142.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the guide 110 can further include a notch 166that extends through the guide portion 112. The notch 166 can extend inthe lateral-medial direction and can be disposed inferiorly relative tothe handle 168 when the guide 110 is mated to the scapula 142. The notch166 can provide exposure to the glenoid face 146 when the guide 110 ismated to the scapula 142 to ensure that the guide 110 is seatedcorrectly against the scapula 142.

Furthermore, the guide 110 can include an arm 160 that projects awayfrom the tube 164 a or other portion of the guide 110. The arm 160 canbe curved. In additional embodiments, the arm 160 can be axiallystraight.

Also, the guide 110 can include a patient-specific portion 114 (i.e., anacromion engaging portion) that is configured to engage and mate to thepatient's acromion 148. The acromion-engaging portion 114 can include ahead 162 that is fixed to the arm 160, on an end that is opposite thetube 164 a. The head 162 can include a recessed patient-specific surface134 that is the negative of the patient's acromion 148. Thus, the head162 can be generally saddle-shaped, and the patient-specific surface 134can mesh with the anterior, inferior, and posterior surfaces of theacromion 148 (FIGS. 7 and 8). Thus, the patient-specific surface 134 andthe patient-specific surface 170 of the guide portion 112 can cooperateto closely mesh with the scapula 142 and constrain the guide 110 againstrelative movement.

In additional embodiments, the patient-specific surface 134 can engageonly the anterior surface of the acromion 148. In still additionalembodiments, the patient-specific surface 134 can be configured to nestwith the inferior surface of the acromion 148 only. In furtherembodiments, the patient-specific surface 134 can be configured to nestwith the posterior surface of the acromion 148 only.

It will be appreciated that the guide 110 can be designed, structured,shaped, dimensioned, and otherwise configured to nest with a particularpatient's scapula 142 in order to locate at least one of the openings126 a, 162 b in a predetermined manner relative to the glenoid face 146.Thus, the guide 110 can be used similarly to the guide 10 discussedabove in relation to FIGS. 1-5. However, as mentioned above, the surgeoncan choose to use only one of the tubes 164 a, 164 b for guiding a drillbit, a referencing object, etc., depending on whether a normal or areverse shoulder prosthetic device is being implanted.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, additional embodiments of the guide 210are illustrated according to exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments,the guide 210 can be used during arthroscopic procedures. The guide 210can, however, also be used during open shoulder surgical procedures.Also, the guide 210 can nest against both the acromion 248 and theglenoid face 246, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8. Componentsthat correspond to those of the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8 are indicatedby corresponding reference numbers increased by 100.

As shown in FIG. 9, the guide 210 can include a first rod 276. The rod276 can be elongate, axially straight, and can have a relatively smalldiameter in cross section. Accordingly, the rod 276 can extend through asmall incision 256 in the patient's skin (e.g., during arthroscopicsurgery). In some embodiments, a cannulated instrument (not specificallyshown) can extend through the incision 256, and the rod 276 can extendthrough the cannulated instrument toward the acromion 248.

The rod 276 can also include the head 262 on one end. Like theembodiments of FIGS. 6-8, the head 262 can be generally saddle-shapedand can include patient specific surfaces that are configured to nestwith anterior, inferior, and posterior surfaces of the acromion 248.Moreover, the rod 276 can be coupled to a handle 278 on an end oppositethe head 262. The handle 278 can remain outside the patient's body whilethe head 262 is nested to the acromion 248.

The guide 210 can further include a second rod 280. On one end, the rod280 can be coupled to the handle 278 such that the first and second rods276, 280 are spaced apart at a distance. In some embodiments, the rod280 can be removably coupled to the handle 278 (e.g., via a threadedattachment, etc.). The second rod 280 can extend through a separateincision 256 in the patient's body.

As best shown in FIG. 10, the second rod 280 can further include apatient-specific pad 284 on an end opposite the handle 278. Thepatient-specific pad 284 can be relatively small and disc-shaped and caninclude a patient-specific surface 285 thereon, which is configured tonest with the glenoid face 246 (e.g., at the superior portion of theglenoid face 246).

Moreover, the guide 210 can include a branch 290 that is substantiallyT-shaped and that is moveably (e.g., pivotally) attached to the secondrod 280. In some embodiments, the branch 290 can include apatient-specific pad 286 on one end. The patient-specific pad 286 can berelatively small and disc-shaped and can include a patient-specificsurface 287 thereon, which is configured to nest with the glenoid face246 (e.g., at the inferior portion of the glenoid face 246). The branch290 can further include a tab 286 with a guide tube 292 extendingtherethrough. The guide tube 292 can guide a drill bit 253, areferencing pin, or other object toward the glenoid face 246, similar tothe embodiments discussed above. A scope 274 can extend toward the jointto allow the surgeon to view this procedure.

The guide tube 292 can be axially curved in some embodiments. Thiscurvature can enable the surgeon to manipulate the drill bit 253 aroundsurrounding tissue (e.g., during an arthroscopic procedure), where thedrill bit 253 is flexible to follow the curvature. In other embodiments,the guide tube 292 can be axially straight.

As mentioned, the branch 290 can be moveably coupled to the second rod280. The guide 210 can also include a lever 282 that is mounted to thehandle 278 and a linkage 281 that operably couples the lever 282 and thebranch 290. The linkage 281 can be a rigid rod that is attached at oneend to the lever 282 and that is attached at the opposite end to thebranch 290. By manipulating the lever 282, the surgeon can selectivelymove the branch 290 relative to the second rod 280. In some embodiments,the lever 282 can include a clamp or other retaining device that isoperable to selectively fix the branch 290 relative to the second rod280.

Thus, to use the guide 210, the surgeon can make the incisions 256 andcan insert the first rod 276 into the patient to mate the head 262 tothe acromion 248. Then, the surgeon can insert the second rod 280 intothe patient. The second rod 280 and branch 290 can be inserted in acollapsed state (e.g., where the branch 290 is positioned substantiallyparallel to the second rod 280). Once inserted, the surgeon can use thelever 282 to move the second rod 280 and branch 290 to an expanded state(e.g., where the branch 290 is angled away from the second rod 280).This movement can allow both patient specific surfaces 285, 287 to nestagainst the glenoid face 246, thereby securing the guide tube 292 intothe predetermined position relative to the glenoid face 246. Then, thedrill bit 253 can be used to form the hole for the referencing pin, andthe procedure can be carried out as discussed above. Next, the surgeoncan use the lever 282 to collapse the branch 290 against the second rod280, and the guide 210 can be removed from the patient's body.

Referring now to FIG. 11, additional embodiments of the guide 310 areillustrated. As will be disclosed, the guide 310 can be apatient-specific guide that nests against the glenoid 346 and theacromion 348. Thus, the guide 310 can include components that especiallycorrespond to the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8. Corresponding components areidentified with corresponding reference numbers increased by 200.

As shown, the guide 310 can include a guide portion 312 that can includeone or more patient-specific surfaces for nesting against the glenoidface 346. The guide portion 312 can include a guide tube 326, which canguide a drill bit, a referencing pin, or other object toward a center ofthe glenoid face 346.

The guide 310 can further include an arm 360 that extends away from theguide portion 312 and a head 362 that is fixed to an end of the arm 360opposite the guide portion 312. The head 362 can includepatient-specific surfaces 334 that are configured to nest against theacromion 348, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8.

In some embodiments, the guide portion 312 and the arm 360 and/or theguide portion 312 and the head 362 can be moveably attached. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the guide 310 can include a movablecoupling 394, such as a pivoting joint, that moveably couples the guideportion 312 and the arm 360. The coupling 394 can be substantiallycoaxial with the guide tube 326. The coupling 394 can be a ring bearingwith an outer race fixed to the guide portion 312, an inner race fixedto the arm 360, and one or more bearings between the races. The coupling394 could also be of a different type, such as a hinge, etc.

Because of the coupling 394, the guide 310 can move between a collapsedposition and an extended position. In the extended position, the guide310 can mate against both the glenoid face 346 and the acromion 348 asshown in FIG. 11. In the collapsed position, the arm 360 can rotatetoward the guide portion 312 such that the guide 310 is more compact.Accordingly, during use, the surgeon can introduce the guide 310 intothe patient's body while the guide 310 is collapsed. After the guide 310is introduced, the surgeon can selectively and manually move the arm 360away from the guide portion 312 and nest the head 362 to the acromion348 and the guide portion 312 to the glenoid face 346. Then, the guide310 can be used as detailed above. In some embodiments, the guide 310can further include a retaining device, such as a clamp, etc., which canbe used to selectively secure the guide 310 in its extended position.

Thus, because the guide 310 can selectively move between a collapsed andextended position, the guide 310 can be useful during arthroscopicsurgical procedures. For instance, the guide 310 can be configured tocollapse to a relatively small size so that the guide 310 can fit into arelatively small cannula to be introduced into the body and can movewithin the body without interfering with surrounding patient anatomy.

Referring now to FIG. 12, additional embodiments of a guide 410 areillustrated. Components that correspond to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5are indicated with corresponding reference numbers increased by 400.

As shown, the guide 410 can include an arm 414 with a head 462 attached.The head 462 can include one or more patient-specific surfaces 434 thatare configured to nest with the patient's acromion (not specificallyshown). The guide 410 can further include a guide portion 412. The guideportion 412 can include a cutting surface 496. The cutting surface 496can be similar to those of known burr-type devices, rasps, or othercutting tools. Also, the cutting surface 496 can be patient-specific andcan be configured according to the shape of the patient's glenoidsurface and/or according to the amount of tissue that the surgeon aimsto remove from the glenoid surface as will be discussed in greaterdetail below. The guide 410 can be operably coupled to an actuator 497via a coupling 498. The actuator 497 can be of any type, such as avibrating motor, etc., and the coupling 498 can be a rigid rod or othertype that extends between the actuator 497 and the guide portion 412.Moreover, the guide 410 can include one or more fluid conduits 499 thatpump fluids toward the cutting surfaces 496 for facilitating cutting ofthe glenoid face. In the embodiments illustrated, the fluid conduit 499can extend toward the actuator 497 and through the coupling 498.

To use the guide 410, the patient's shoulder joint can be imaged using aCT scan, MRI, etc., and a treatment can be planned therefrom.Specifically, the surgeon can plan out how much tissue to remove fromthe glenoid face, locations on the glenoid face from which to removetissue, etc. Then, the guide 410 can be planned and constructedaccordingly to enable such tissue removal. Specifically, the size,shape, and relative locations of the head 462, patient-specific surfaces434, arm 460, and cutting surfaces 496 of the guide 412 can be plannedso as to enable tissue removal according to the surgical plan.

Thus, the guide 410 can allow the surgeon to provide patient-specificcutting of the glenoid face. Also, the guide 410 could be used toprepare the glenoid face for implantation of a patient-specificprosthetic implant. For instance, a bearing (not shown) could include aglenoid-engaging surface that is configured to mate against the glenoidface after the cutting surfaces 496 have prepared the glenoid face. Thebearing can include a plurality of small posts with anchoring formationsfor anchoring into the glenoid face without the need for cement. Also, apatient-specific impacting guide can be employed for implanting such abearing. The impacting guide could include a bearing engaging end thatengages the bearing, an impacting head that the surgeon can impact todrive the bearing into engagement with the glenoid face, and apatient-specific surface that nests to the acromion or other portion ofthe scapula. Thus, the impacting guide could reference the patient'sanatomy to ensure that the impacting guide is in its desired positionrelative to the anatomy during implantation of the bearing.

Referring now to FIG. 13, additional embodiments of a guide 510 areillustrated according to exemplary embodiments. Components that aresimilar to those of FIGS. 1-5 are indicated with corresponding referencenumbers increased by 500.

In the embodiments illustrated, the guide 510 can include a guideportion 512 that is configured to engage the glenoid face. A guide tube526 can extend from the guide portion 512 and an inner surface of theguide tube 526 can extend continuously through the guide portion 512.The guide portion 512 can be made out of transparent material (e.g., atransparent polymeric material). The guide portion 512 can also includecross hairs or other similar indicia thereon that are visible throughthe guide portion 512. The cross hairs can intersect the central axis ofthe guide tube 526.

In some embodiments, the guide 510 can include three-dimensionallycurved, patient-specific surfaces that are configured to nest to theglenoid of the patient. Thus, the guide 510 can be used similar to theembodiments discussed above. The cross hairs on the guide portion 512can help the surgeon center the guide portion 510 on the glenoid face.

In additional embodiments, the guide 510 can have standardized surfacessuch that the guide 510 can be used for multiple patients. The guide 510can also be part of a set of similar guides 510 of different sizes, andthe surgeon can select an appropriately-sized guide 510 according to theparticular size of the glenoid face. Again, the cross hairs on the guideportion 512 can help the surgeon center the guide portion 510 on theglenoid face.

In summary, the guides 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 discussed above canfacilitate implantation of a shoulder prosthesis. The guides 10, 110,210, 310, 410, 510 can include one or more patient-specific featuressuch that the guide 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 can be tailored for aspecific patient, and the associated shoulder prosthesis and/orimplantation procedure can be similarly tailored. Thus, the patient'sshoulder can be repaired and shoulder joint function can be restored inan effective manner.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplaryarrangements of the present teachings. Furthermore, the mixing andmatching of features, elements and/or functions between variousembodiments is expressly contemplated herein, so that one of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features,elements and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated intoanother embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise above.Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the present teachings without departing from theessential scope thereof. One skilled in the art will readily recognizefrom such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims,that various changes, modifications and variations can be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings asdefined in the following claims.

1. A patient-specific guide tool for guiding an object toward a glenoidface of a scapula of a patient for implantation of a shoulder prostheticdevice, the guide tool comprising: a guide portion that includes a guidesurface, the guide surface configured to guide movement of the objecttoward the glenoid face; and a patient-specific portion that is operablycoupled to the glenoid portion, the patient-specific portion includingat least one patient-specific surface that is three-dimensionallycontoured, and that is configured to nest and closely conform to acorresponding surface of the scapula to thereby position the guidesurface at a predetermined position relative to the glenoid face.
 2. Thepatient-specific guide tool of claim 1, wherein the at least onepatient-specific surface is configured to nest and closely conform to acorresponding anterior surface of an acromion of the scapula.
 3. Thepatient-specific guide tool of claim 1, wherein the at least onepatient-specific surface is configured to nest and closely conform to acorresponding inferior surface of an acromion of the scapula.
 4. Thepatient-specific guide tool of claim 1, wherein the at least onepatient-specific surface is configured to nest and closely conform to acorresponding posterior surface of an acromion of the scapula.
 5. Thepatient-specific guide tool of claim 1, wherein the at least onepatient-specific surface is configured to nest and closely conform to acorresponding surface of a spine of the scapula.
 6. The patient-specificguide tool of claim 5, wherein the patient-specific portion includes afirst member and a second member, at least one of the first member andthe second member including the patient-specific surface, the firstmember and the second member configured to cooperatively straddle thespine of the scapula.
 7. The patient-specific guide tool of claim 1,wherein the guide portion and the patient-specific portion are moveablycoupled to each other.
 8. The patient-specific guide tool of claim 7,wherein the guide portion and the patient-specific portion are pivotallycoupled to each other.
 9. The patient-specific guide tool of claim 1,wherein the guide surface is defined by an opening that extends throughthe guide portion.
 10. The patient-specific guide tool of claim 9,wherein the guide portion includes a first axial end, a second axialend, and a transverse surface that extends between the first and secondaxial ends, and wherein the opening is a groove defined through thefirst axial end, the second axial end, and the transverse surface. 11.The patient-specific guide tool of claim 9, wherein the opening extendsthrough the guide portion along a curved longitudinal axis.
 12. Thepatient-specific guide tool of claim 1, wherein the guide portion alsoincludes a glenoidal patient-specific surface that is configured to nestand closely conform to a corresponding surface of the glenoid face. 13.The patient-specific guide tool of claim 12, wherein the at least oneglenoidal patient-specific surface is configured to nest and closelyconform to a rim of the glenoid face.
 14. The patient-specific guidetool of claim 1, wherein the guide portion is at least partiallytransparent. 15.-19. (canceled)
 20. A patient-specific glenoid guidetool for guiding an object toward a glenoid face of a scapula of apatient for implantation of a shoulder prosthetic device, the guide toolcomprising: a guide portion that includes an opening with a curved axis,the opening defining a guide surface, the guide surface configured toguide movement of the object toward the glenoid face; and apatient-specific portion that is operably coupled to the glenoidportion, the patient-specific portion including at least onepatient-specific surface that is three-dimensionally contoured, and thatis configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface ofthe scapula to thereby position the guide surface at a predeterminedposition relative to the glenoid face, the patient-specific surfaceconfigured to nest and closely conform to at least one of an anteriorsurface of an acromion of the scapula, an inferior surface of anacromion of the scapula, a posterior surface of an acromion of thescapula, a scapular spine, and the glenoid face.
 21. A patient-specificguide for guiding an object toward a glenoid face of a scapula of apatient for implantation of a prosthetic device, the guide toolcomprising: a patient-specific portion having at least onepatient-specific surface that is configured to nest and closely conformto a corresponding surface of the glenoid face to position the at leastone patient-specific surface at a predetermined position relative to theglenoid face; and a first tube and a second tube projectinglongitudinally from the patient-specific portion opposite the at leastone patient-specific surface, wherein the first tube defines a firstopening that extends longitudinally along a length of the first tubefrom an end thereof to the patient-specific portion, the second tubedefining a second opening that extends longitudinally along a length ofthe second tube from an end thereof to the patient-specific portion;wherein the at least one patient-specific surface is configured to mountwith the glenoid face by nesting and closely conforming to thecorresponding surface to locate at least one of the first and secondopenings in a predetermined manner relative to the glenoid face; whereinwhen the at least one patient-specific surface is mounted on the glenoidface, the predetermined position for the first opening is oriented foruse a normal shoulder implantation procedure and the predeterminedposition for the second opening is oriented for use a reverse shoulderimplantation procedure.
 22. The guide of claim 21, wherein the at leastone patient-specific surface is configured to engage and nest with ananterior rim of the glenoid face.
 23. The guide of claim 21, wherein theat least one patient-specific surface is configured to nest with one ormore of a superior, inferior and posterior portion of a rim of theglenoid face.
 24. The guide of claim 21, wherein the first opening andsecond opening allowing access for at least one of a drill bit andreferencing object to the glenoid face through the patient-specificportion, and wherein the first tube is configured to receive at leastone of the drill bit and the referencing object used for theimplantation of a normal shoulder prosthetic device.
 25. The guide ofclaim 21, wherein the first opening and second opening allowing accessfor at least one of a drill bit and referencing object to the glenoidface through the patient-specific portion, and wherein the second tubeis configured to receive at least one of the drill bit and thereferencing object used for the implantation of a reverse shoulderprosthetic device.